A LARGE comprehensive school in a County Durham town will be closed on Tuesday due to a gas leak.

Bishop Barrington School in Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland has posted on its Facebook page: "School will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday) due to a gas leak.

"The school site has been made safe but there is no heating or hot water. Can parents/guardians please check the school website for further updates."

Work is underway to replace the school with a new state-of-the-art facility.

The new building will enable Bishop Barrington School in Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, to increase its pupil roll from 790 to 900.

It is being funded through phase two of the Government’s Priority School Buildings Programme, following a successful application by Durham County Council.